Black Bat Flower Rhizome Division: Tacca Chantrieri, Devil Flower

***Black BAT FLOWER 3 rhizome division****
Black BAT FLOWER ( Cats Whiskers / Devil Flower) Tacca Chantrieri Flower Plant NOT Seeds
🌿 Basic Information

Scientific Name: Tacca chantrieri

Common Names: Bat plant, Devil flower, Cat’s whiskers

Family: Dioscoreaceae (Yam family)

Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Southern China)

☀️ Light Requirements

Indirect light or filtered sun is ideal.

Avoid direct sunlight — it can scorch the leaves.

Indoors: Place near an east- or north-facing window.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F)

Humidity: High (60%+); essential for blooming

Avoid cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C (59°F).

Tip: Use a humidifier or place the pot on a water-filled tray with pebbles to increase humidity.

🌱 Soil Requirements

Use well-draining, rich, slightly acidic soil.

Mix ideas:

Orchid mix + peat moss + perlite

Peat-based mix with bark and a little sand

pH range: 6.0–6.5

💧 Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, but never soggy.

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry.

Reduce watering slightly in winter (dormant period).

🌸 Fertilizer

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) every 2–3 weeks during growing season (spring to fall).

Reduce feeding in winter.

🪴 Potting & Repotting

Use pots with good drainage.

Repot every 2–3 years in early spring, just before new growth starts.

❄️ Dormancy

In cooler months, bat plants may stop growing and shed some leaves.

This is normal — reduce watering and stop feeding until spring.

🐛 Pests & Problems

Watch for:

Spider mites

Mealybugs

Root rot (from overwatering)

Maintain high humidity and good airflow.

🌱 Propagation

Usually done by rhizome division in spring.

Seeds can also be used but are slow and tricky to germinate.